Battery pack and power-off control method of battery pack

Abstract

The application provides a battery pack for power supply of electric tools, which comprises a shell, a plurality of battery cells arranged in the shell, a control assembly for controlling discharge of the battery cells, and a docking terminal partially exposed from the shell, the shell comprises a docking portion, the docking terminal is arranged in the docking portion to form a docking port, the docking port is configured to cooperate with the electric connection port to form mechanical connection and electrical connection; the control assembly comprises a controller and an electronic switch, the docking terminal is electrically connected with the battery cells through the electronic switch, the electronic switch is electrically connected to the controller and controlled by the controller; the control assembly further comprises an acceleration sensor electrically connected with the controller, the acceleration sensor is configured to detect whether the battery pack is in a falling state, and send the detection result to the controller; when the battery pack is in the falling state, the controller controls the electronic switch to disconnect the electrical connection between the docking terminal and the battery cells.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of power tools, and more specifically to a battery pack and a method for controlling the power outage of the battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of lithium battery technology, more and more power tools are using battery packs for power, abandoning traditional AC power. While battery packs bring convenience, they also bring some hidden dangers. For example, because battery packs carry a large amount of power, if the battery pack's docking port (used to connect with the power tool) comes into direct contact with the ground when it is dropped, the positive and negative power terminals of the docking port will make contact after the impact, causing a short circuit in the battery cells. This can result in damage to the battery pack or even a fire. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and provide a safe and reliable battery pack. This invention is achieved through the following technical solution: A battery pack for powering a power tool, the power tool including an electrical connection port, the battery pack including a housing, a plurality of battery cells disposed within the housing, a control component for controlling the discharge of the battery cells, and mating terminals partially exposed outside the housing, the housing including a mating portion, the mating terminals disposed in the mating portion to form a mating port, the mating port being configured to cooperate with the electrical connection port to form a mechanical and electrical connection between the battery pack and the power tool; the control component including a controller and an electronic switch, the mating terminals being electrically connected to the battery cells via the electronic switch, the electronic switch being electrically connected to and controlled by the controller; the control component further including an acceleration sensor electrically connected to the controller, the acceleration sensor being configured to detect whether the battery pack is in a drop state and sending the detection result to the controller; when the battery pack is in a drop state, the controller controls the electronic switch to disconnect the electrical connection between the mating terminals and the battery cells.

[0004] Furthermore, the acceleration sensor is a six-axis accelerometer.

[0005] Furthermore, the acceleration sensor is also configured to detect whether the battery pack is in an unexpected flip-over state; when the battery pack is in an unexpected flip-over state, the controller controls the electronic switch to disconnect the electrical connection between the docking terminal and the battery cell.

[0006] Furthermore, if the battery pack rotates more than 15° within 0.1s, it is determined that the battery pack is in an unexpected flipped state.

[0007] Furthermore, the electronic switch is a MOS switch.

[0008] Furthermore, the controller controls the MOS switch to open in less than 1 ms.

[0009] Furthermore, the battery pack also includes a reset switch and a trigger part for triggering the reset switch, which are electrically connected to the controller. When the reset switch is triggered, the controller controls the electronic switch to close, connecting the battery cell to the docking terminal.

[0010] Furthermore, the battery pack also includes a locking mechanism, which includes a locking part for locking to a power tool and an unlocking part for releasing the locking state of the locking part. The triggering part is adjacent to the unlocking part, so that the finger operating the unlocking part can directly operate the triggering part.

[0011] On the other hand, this application also provides a power-off control method for a battery pack, which includes: acquiring the current motion state of the battery pack; if the battery pack is in a drop state, the controller controls the electronic switch to open; and disconnecting the electrical connection between the battery cell and the docking terminal.

[0012] Furthermore, when the acceleration of the battery pack is not less than 9 / 10 of the gravitational acceleration, the battery pack is determined to be in a falling state.

[0013] By detecting the drop status of the battery pack, the electronic switch is automatically turned off, and the electrical connection between the battery cell and the docking terminal is broken. Even if the docking port hits the ground and causes the positive and negative power terminals in the docking terminal to come into contact, it will not cause an open circuit. When the battery pack is connected to a power tool, it can also realize the automatic shutdown of the power tool. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded view of the battery pack shown.

[0016] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The circuit logic diagram of the battery pack shown is as follows.

[0017] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment shows a perspective view of the battery pack connected to a power tool. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application.

[0019] The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application. Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this application should be understood in their ordinary sense by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this application do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, “a” or “one,” and similar terms do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. “A plurality” or “several” indicates two or more. Unless otherwise stated, the terms “front,” “rear,” “lower,” and / or “upper,” and similar terms are for ease of description only and are not limited to a location or spatial orientation. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and similar terms mean that the elements or objects preceding “comprising,” encompass the elements or objects listed following “comprising,” and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. The terms “connected,” “linked,” and similar terms are not limited to physical or mechanical connections and can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in this application specification and appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0020] Please combine Figures 1 to 4 This application provides a battery pack 100 for powering a power tool 200. The power tool can be an electric drill, angle grinder, electric wrench, electric hammer, reciprocating saw, chainsaw, lawnmower, vacuum cleaner, or other electrically powered tools. The battery pack 100 includes a housing 1, a plurality of battery cells 2 disposed within the housing, a control component 3 for controlling the discharge of the battery cells, and docking terminals 4 partially exposed outside the housing. The plurality of battery cells 2 are positioned by a battery cell support 6. The housing 1 includes an upper shell 11 and a lower shell 12. The upper shell 11 includes a docking portion 10, which includes a terminal groove 101. The docking terminals 4 are partially exposed from the terminal groove 101. The docking terminals 4 are disposed in the docking portion 10 to form a docking port. The power tool 200 includes an electrical connection port, and the docking port is configured to cooperate with the electrical connection port to form a mechanical and electrical connection between the battery pack and the power tool.

[0021] The control component 3 includes a circuit board 31, a controller 32 disposed on the circuit board, and an electronic switch 33. The docking terminal 4 is electrically connected to the battery cell 2 through the electronic switch 33. The electronic switch 33 is electrically connected to the controller 32 and is controlled by the controller 32 to change the discharge state of the battery pack.

[0022] The control component 3 also includes an acceleration sensor 34 electrically connected to the controller 31. The acceleration sensor 34 is configured to detect whether the battery pack 100 is in a drop state and send the detection result to the controller 31. When the battery pack 100 is in a drop state, the controller 31 controls the electronic switch 32 to disconnect the electrical connection between the docking terminal 4 and the battery cell 2, thereby preventing the positive and negative power terminals in the docking terminal 4 from contacting when the docking part 10 is impacted, which could lead to a short circuit in the battery cell and cause a safety accident. When the battery pack is connected to a power tool, disconnecting the electrical connection between the docking terminal 4 and the battery cell can also stop the power tool in time, preventing the working head (e.g., saw blade) of the power tool from continuing to work and injuring the user when the power tool and the battery pack fall together. It is worth mentioning that since one battery pack can power multiple power tools on the same platform (such as the Milwaukee 18V platform or the Makita 18V platform), compared to setting an acceleration sensor in each power tool, placing the acceleration sensor in the battery pack can achieve circuit breaking when any power tool falls, which is beneficial to significantly reduce costs.

[0023] The accelerometer 34 can be a triaxial accelerometer or a six-axis accelerometer (a triaxial accelerometer integrating a gyroscope). When operating power tools, in some cases, the large reaction torque of the workpiece can cause the power tool and battery pack to flip momentarily, potentially leading to arm sprains. Detecting accidental flips and stopping the machine promptly helps protect the user. When the accelerometer 34 is a six-axis accelerometer, it is also configured to detect whether the battery pack 100 is in an accidental flip state. When the battery pack 100 is in an accidental flip state, the controller 32 controls the electronic switch 33 to disconnect the electrical connection between the docking terminal 4 and the battery cell 2. Preferably, if the battery pack rotates more than 15° within 0.1 seconds, it is determined that the battery pack is in an accidental flip state.

[0024] Optionally, the electronic switch 33 is a MOS switch, which has advantages such as fast response, high reliability, and low cost. Preferably, the controller controls the MOS switch to open in less than 1ms. Taking a battery pack falling from a height of one meter as an example, the landing time is about 0.45s. This means that the time to disconnect the electrical connection is much shorter than the time it takes for the battery pack to fall to the ground, thus ensuring the reliability of timely power disconnection.

[0025] Preferably, the battery pack 100 further includes a reset switch 35 electrically connected to the controller 32 and a trigger part 36 for triggering the reset switch 35. The reset switch 35 is disposed on the circuit board 31 and electrically connected to the controller 32. When the reset switch 35 is triggered, the controller 32 controls the electronic switch 33 to close, connecting the battery cell 2 to the docking terminal 4. That is to say, in this application, the electrical connection between the battery cell and the docking terminal can be re-established without physical repair.

[0026] The battery pack also includes a locking member 5, which includes a locking part 51 for locking to a power tool and an unlocking part 52 for unlocking the locking part. The trigger part 35 is adjacent to the unlocking part 52, so that the finger operating the unlocking part 52 can directly operate the trigger part 36, improving the operating experience.

[0027] On the other hand, this application also provides a power-off control method for a battery pack, used in the battery pack of the foregoing embodiments, the power-off control method comprising: Obtain the current motion state of the battery pack; If the battery pack is in a drop condition, the controller will activate the electronic switch. Disconnect the electrical connection between the battery cell and the mating terminal.

[0028] Preferably, the battery pack is determined to be in a falling state when the acceleration of the battery pack is not less than 9 / 10 of the gravitational acceleration.

[0029] When the accelerometer is a six-axis accelerometer, it is also configured to detect whether the battery pack is in an unexpected flip-over state; when the battery pack is in an unexpected flip-over state, the controller controls the electronic switch to disconnect the electrical connection between the docking terminal and the battery cell.

[0030] By detecting the drop status of the battery pack, the electronic switch is automatically turned off, and the electrical connection between the battery cell and the docking terminal is broken. Even if the docking port hits the ground and causes the positive and negative power terminals in the docking terminal to come into contact, it will not cause an open circuit. When the battery pack is connected to a power tool, it can also realize the automatic shutdown of the power tool.

[0031] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that this application is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the specification or illustrated in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology is for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

[0032] In view of this specification, further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this description should be interpreted as illustrative only. The configurations and arrangements shown in the various exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only some embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications (e.g., variations in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportions of various elements, values ​​of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation, etc.) can be made without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed from multiple parts or elements, the positions of elements may be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or number or position of discrete elements may be changed or varied. According to alternative embodiments, the order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be changed or reordered. Other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may be made to the design, operating conditions, and arrangements of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0033] Although the present application describes specific combinations of features in the appended claims, various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any features described herein, whether or not such combinations are currently claimed, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this application or in a future application. Any feature, element, or component of any exemplary embodiment discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any feature, element, or component of any other embodiment discussed above.

[0034] In various exemplary embodiments, relative dimensions, including angles, lengths, and radii, as shown in the accompanying drawings, are drawn to scale. Actual measurements in the drawings will disclose the relative dimensions, angles, and scales of the various exemplary embodiments. The various exemplary embodiments extend to a wide range around absolute and relative dimensions, angles, and scales that can be determined from the accompanying drawings. The various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that can be determined from the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, actual dimensions not explicitly stated in this specification can be determined by combining the scales of the dimensions measured in the accompanying drawings with the explicit dimensions stated in this specification.

Claims

1. A battery pack for powering a power tool, the power tool including an electrical connection port, the battery pack including a housing, a plurality of battery cells disposed within the housing, a control component for controlling the discharge of the battery cells, and a docking terminal partially exposed in the housing, the housing including a docking portion, the docking terminal being disposed in the docking portion to form a docking port, the docking port being configured to cooperate with the electrical connection port to form a mechanical connection and an electrical connection between the battery pack and the power tool; The control component includes a controller and an electronic switch. The docking terminal is electrically connected to the battery cell via the electronic switch. The electronic switch is electrically connected to the controller and controlled by the controller. Its features are, The control component also includes an acceleration sensor electrically connected to the controller, the acceleration sensor being configured to detect whether the battery pack is in a drop state and send the detection result to the controller; When the battery pack is in a drop state, the controller controls the electronic switch to disconnect the electrical connection between the docking terminal and the battery cell.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The accelerometer is a six-axis accelerometer.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that, The acceleration sensor is also configured to detect whether the battery pack is in an accidental flip-over state; When the battery pack is accidentally flipped, the controller controls the electronic switch to disconnect the electrical connection between the docking terminal and the battery cell.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, characterized in that, If the battery pack rotates more than 15° within 0.1s, it is determined that the battery pack is in an unexpected flipped state.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electronic switch is a MOS switch.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, characterized in that, The controller controls the MOS switch to open in less than 1ms.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery pack also includes a reset switch and a trigger part for triggering the reset switch, which are electrically connected to the controller. When the reset switch is triggered, the controller controls the electronic switch to close, connecting the battery cell to the mating terminal.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, characterized in that, The battery pack also includes a locking mechanism, which includes a locking part for locking to a power tool and an unlocking part for releasing the locking state of the locking part. The triggering part is adjacent to the unlocking part, so that the finger operating the unlocking part can directly operate the triggering part.

9. A power-off control method for a battery pack, used in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The power-off control method includes: Obtain the current motion state of the battery pack; If the battery pack is in a drop condition, the controller will activate the electronic switch. Disconnect the electrical connection between the battery cell and the mating terminal.

10. The power-off control method according to claim 9, characterized in that: When the acceleration of the battery pack is not less than 9 / 10 of the gravitational acceleration, the battery pack is determined to be in a falling state.

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